The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people. . . (1 Sam. 13:14)

IF THE PROOF IS IN THE TASTE of the pudding, then, ultimately, the proof of character is in one’s deeds.

All of us have known people who started well, with sterling qualities and much potential, only to run aground in midlife or at a certain point in their career. This happens to entrepreneurs, professionals, athletes, politicians, royalty, clergy, and others. The budding character of youth should be solidified in the rigors of daily living. Character hinges upon choices of integrity, decisions in difficult moments and the investment of our time and resources.

Saul began well. But he did not continue well. The Bible records his almost psychotic rage at the young man, David, and his attempts to murder him. We recall that, in impatience and arrogance, he offered his own sacrifice to the Lord and then disobeyed God’s direct command about the spoils of battle and King Agag. In the waning days of his life, he even solicited the services of a medium for spiritual advice. And finally, he dealt the death blow to his own body after a bloody battle with the Philistines.

Character must not be only the beginning or middle of my story, it must be the ending as well. How differently the biblical narrative would have been had Saul embraced this truth.

Let the richness of your character increase every day.

Valorie Quesenberry is a pastor’s wife, mother, author, speaker and editor of a publication for Christian women. She has a passion to communicate biblical truth for today’s issues.

© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.